Universal water-resistant hinged-lid cover for an electrical outlet box

ABSTRACT

A water-resistant cover for an electrical outlet box generally includes a base and a lid hingedly coupled to the base. The base has a ridge surrounding a substantial periphery of the base, wherein the ridge includes a top wall, an outer side wall extending downwardly from the top wall and an inner side wall extending downwardly from the top wall. The inner side wall defines a recessed portion of the base and an opening in the recessed portion. The lid is received in the recessed portion in a closed position to cover the opening, wherein the ridge prevents water from entering the opening whether the cover is oriented horizontally or vertically.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/898,062, filed on Jan. 29, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrical outlet boxes, and moreparticularly to a universal electrical outlet box cover whichaccommodates multiple types of electrical devices, such as duplexreceptacles, GFCI receptacles, various switch designs and differentsizes of round receptacles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It has long been known to house electrical fixtures such as switches andreceptacles in an electrical outlet box. The outlet box permits theinsertion of electrical wires into the box which are terminated toelectrical fixtures. The fixtures then may be mounted to the box whichprovides protection to the fixtures as well as the wires terminatedtherein. The outlet box is mounted to a wall or other structure at aconvenient location to provide access. A face plate or cover is thenmounted over the fixture to close off the box, yet maintain the requiredaccess to the fixture.

Electrical fixtures for mounting in a standard size outlet box areavailable in a variety of configurations. Such fixtures include singleand duplex receptacles in varying shapes, GFCI receptacles, roundreceptacles, and various types of switches, including toggle and rockerplates. The selection of the type of fixture to mount within the box isdependant upon the specifics of the application and the desiredaesthetic result.

While the outlet box itself is generally universal to the type offixture mounted therein, a face plate or cover must be selected for eachtype of particular fixture mounted in the box. For example, a face plateadapted for a duplex receptacle fixture will have two access openingssized and shaped to match the size and shape of the two receptacles ofthe fixture, whereas a face plate adapted for mounting with a simplesingle toggle switch will have a single opening having a size and shapematching the toggle switch.

As can be appreciated, the varying shapes and sizes of the accessopenings prevent the face plates or covers from being interchangeable.As a result, an electrician at a construction worksite would necessarilyneed to have in his or her possession a collection of various faceplates or covers to accommodate all of the possible fixtures. As theface plates or covers are generally well constructed so as to providesuitable protection to the interior of an electrical box, the cost ofmaintaining a large inventory of such face plates or covers becomes adrawback.

Alternatively, face plate or cover assemblies can be employed that areadaptable or convertible to accommodate multiple styles of electricalfixtures. These cover assemblies generally include a number of adapterplates to accommodate the different types of electrical fixtures. Withthese cover assemblies, the appropriate adapter plate is selected,depending on the type of electrical fixture, and the selected plate ismechanically mounted to the back of the cover. The cover is then mountedto the electrical box.

One drawback with such conventional cover assemblies is the difficultyinvolved in aligning the cover, with the adapter plate mounted thereto,to the electrical fixture contained within the box. Often, severaladjustments must be made between the adapter plate and the cover so thatthe adapter plate, cover, electrical fixture and outlet box can beproperly aligned for mounting. To make matters worse, in certaininstallations as discussed below, a loose gasket must be accuratelypositioned and held between the cover and outlet box during mounting ofthe cover to the box.

Another consideration is the fact that such outlet boxes havingelectrical fixtures mounted therein are often installed outdoors or inother places where they may be subject to adverse conditions. In suchenvironments it is necessary to construct the outlet box to be waterresistant, so as to protect the components housed therein. Undesirableaccumulation of water within the box can be dangerous and detrimental tosuch electrical fixtures housed therein. Various electrical codes andstandards such as those promulgated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)require exterior outlet boxes to have a certain degree of waterresistance, i.e., resistance to entry of water over a period of time.

The art has seen a wide variety of box constructions which are designedto prevent the accumulation of water within the box. Typically, a coveris provided having a hinged lid, which provides access to the fixturewhen open and seals the box from the exterior when closed. Many of thesecovers also employ some form of gasket, as mentioned above, interposedbetween the box and the cover and another form of seal interposedbetween the hinged lid and the cover so as to prevent water fromentering the interior of the box.

To ensure water resistance, the cover must be fitted to the electricalfixture contained within the outlet box. In particular, each type ofelectrical fixture requires a different sized and shaped access openingin the cover so that a sufficient water tight seal can be establishedbetween the cover and the fixture. Thus, manufacturers typically providea series of box covers having differently sized access openings.

Additionally, the cover must be configured for horizontal or verticalinstallation. In this regard, manufacturers also typically provide avertically oriented series of box covers and a horizontally orientedseries of box covers. The vertically oriented series of covers include arectangular base plate having a hinge on the short side with a lidpivotally attached to the hinge for vertical installations. Thehorizontal series of covers include a hinge on the long side of the baseplate for horizontal installations. At times, installers will mount avertical series box horizontally (or vice versus), but such installationwill not pass UL specifications since such conventional boxes only passUL specifications in a single orientation.

Obviously, providing a specific horizontal or vertical cover forinstallation of each type of electrical fixture is inefficient andundesirable in that an electrician would necessarily need to carry manydifferent types of covers to each job site.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a universal cover that isadaptable to a wide variety of electrical fixtures and which is waterresistant when mounted in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.It would be further desirable to provide such a cover with means foreasy and accurate alignment of all of the cover components duringmounting of the cover to an electrical outlet box.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a water-resistant cover for an electricaloutlet box. The cover generally includes a base and a lid hingedlycoupled to the base. The base has a ridge surrounding a substantialperiphery of the base, wherein the ridge includes a top wall, an outerside wall extending downwardly from the top wall and an inner side wallextending downwardly from the top wall. The inner side wall defines arecessed portion of the base and an opening in the recessed portion. Thelid is received in the recessed portion in a closed position to coverthe opening, wherein the ridge prevents water from entering the openingwhether the cover is oriented horizontally or vertically.

In a preferred embodiment, the outer side wall of the base ridgeterminates at an end, which defines an outer peripheral edge of thebase. The outer side wall of the base ridge also preferably includes astraight portion disposed generally perpendicularly with the top walland an angled portion connecting the straight portion with the top wall.The inner side wall of the base ridge preferably includes a straightportion extending generally perpendicularly from the top wall and aninwardly directed flange portion extending generally perpendicularlyfrom the straight portion and generally parallel with the top wall,wherein the flange portion has the base opening formed therein. The baseopening is preferably generally rectangular and has a circular indentformed on opposite sides thereof.

The lid preferably includes a gasket and the flange portion of the baseridge inner side wall further preferably includes a protruding lip,which engages the gasket for forming a water-resistant sealtherebetween. The flange portion further preferably includes an innerperipheral edge region facing opposite the top wall. The innerperipheral edge region is adapted to abut an adapter plate forsandwiching the adapter plate against an electrical fixture when thecover is mounted to the electrical outlet box.

The lid further preferably includes a face plate and a peripheral sidewall extending downwardly from the face plate. The lid peripheral sidewall is disposed within and generally parallel with the inner side wallof the base ridge when the lid is in the closed position. The lid faceplate can include an upwardly protruding handle portion for facilitatinggripping of the lid, and the handle portion can include inwardlyrecessed finger grips on opposite sides thereof.

The cover of the present invention can be provided as part of auniversal water-resistant electrical outlet box assembly. Such assemblyincludes an electrical outlet box having an open side, an electricalfixture contained within the electrical outlet box and the coveraccording to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrical fixture includes an apertureand the outlet box assembly further includes an adapter plate having anopening, which receives a portion of the electrical fixture therein. Theadaptor plate further includes a projection extending from a back facethereof, which is received in the aperture of the electrical fixture foraligning the adapter plate thereto. When assembled, the cover of thepresent invention sandwiches the adapter plate against the electricalfixture.

The assembly further preferably includes a universal gasketsubstantially covering the open side of the electrical outlet box. Theprojection of the adapter plate pierces through the gasket to befrictionally held thereto for aligning the adapter plate and the gasketto the electrical fixture. In this case, the cover of the presentinvention sandwiches both the adapter plate and the gasket against theelectrical fixture.

A preferred form of the universal cover, as well as other embodiments,objects, features and advantages of this invention, will be apparentfrom the following detailed description of illustrative embodimentsthereof, which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a duplex electrical fixture adapter plateused in the cover assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 1 a is a side view of the adapter plate shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 b is a back perspective view of the adapter plate shown in FIGS.1 and 1 a.

FIG. 2 is a front plan view of a switch/round receptacle adapter plateused in the cover assembly of the present invention.

FIG. 2 a is a side view of the adapter plate shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 b is a back perspective view of the adapter plate shown in FIGS.2 and 2 a.

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the universal gasket used in the coverassembly of the present invention.

FIG. 3 a is a side view of the gasket shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is an exploded side perspective view of the adapter plate shownin FIGS. 1, 1 a and 1 b and the gasket shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a beingmounted to a duplex receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the adapter plate, gasket andduplex receptacle shown in FIG. 4 assembled together.

FIG. 6 is an exploded side perspective view of the adapter plate shownin FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b and the gasket shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 a beingmounted to a toggle switch.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of the adapter plate, gasket andtoggle switch shown in FIG. 6 assembled together.

FIG. 8 is an exploded side perspective view of the adapter plate shownin FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b, with center knocked out, and the gasket shownin FIGS. 3 and 3 a being mounted to a round receptacle.

FIG. 9 is a side perspective view of the adapter plate, gasket and roundreceptacle shown in FIG. 8 assembled together.

FIG. 10 is an exploded side perspective view of a duplex receptaclecontained within an electrical outlet box and a gasket, adapter plateand cover of the present invention being mounted thereto.

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of the components shown in FIG. 10 in anassembled state.

FIG. 12 is a side perspective view of the cover of the present inventionmounted to an electrical outlet box in a vertical orientation.

FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the cover of the present inventionmounted to an electrical outlet box in a horizontal orientation.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly shown in FIG. 13taken along the line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a top exploded perspective view of a GFCI receptaclecontained within an electrical outlet box and a gasket and cover of thepresent invention being mounted thereto.

FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of the keyhole opening in the cover shownin FIG. 15.

FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thecover assembly of the present invention in the form of a 2-gang cover.

FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of the keyhole opening in the cover shownin FIG. 16.

FIG. 16B is an enlarged view of the mounting screw shown in FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, two adapter plates 12, 14 for use with thepresent invention are shown. For most of the common electrical fixturesused today, only the two adapter plates 12, 14 shown in FIGS. 1-2 arerequired. Both adapter plates 12, 14 are generally thin planar membersand are preferably made from a durable plastic material, such aspolyvinylchloride (PVC). Both plates 12, 14 further include at least oneprong or projection 16 extending from a back surface 18 thereof. Thefunction of the prong or projection 16 will be described in furtherdetail below.

The adapter plate 12 shown in FIGS. 1, 1 a and 1 b is in the form of aduplex adapter plate. As such, the plate 12 is formed with tworeceptacle openings 20, which are sized and shaped to receive the twooutlets 22 of a conventional duplex receptacle 24, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5. The adapter plate 12 may further include one or more outwardlyextending ears 26 formed on the periphery thereof to assist in retainingthe adapter plate within the cover assembly, as will be discussed infurther detail below.

The duplex adapter plate 12 includes a single, centrally disposedprojection 16 a extending generally perpendicular from the back surface18 of the plate. The projection 16 a of the duplex adapter plate 12 hasa diameter which can also be sized to permit the projection to beinserted into a centrally disposed hole 27 formed in the duplexreceptacle 24. The diameter of the projection 16 a, however, issufficiently smaller than the diameter of the hole 27 so that theprojection will not be attached or secured to the receptacle. Insertionof the projection 16 a into the central hole 27 of the duplex receptacle24 simply aligns the adapter plate 12 with respect to the receptacleand, as will be discussed in further detail below, with respect to thecover of the present invention.

The adapter plate 14 shown in FIGS. 2, 2 a and 2 b is in the form of acombination toggle switch/round receptacle adapter plate. As mentionedabove, for most of the common electrical fixtures used today, only thetwo adapter plates 12, 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are required. However,the multiple features of the adapter plate 14 shown in FIGS. 2, 2 a and2 b can be divided among multiple adapter plates. For example, anadapter plate adapted solely for a toggle switch can be separatelyprovided in addition to an adapter plate adapted solely for a roundreceptacle. Moreover, multiple round receptacle adapter plates adaptedfor different sizes of round receptacles can be provided.

In the preferred embodiment, a combined toggle switch/round receptacleadapter plate 14 is provided having a central rectangular toggle switchopening 28 which is sized and shaped to receive the lever 30 of aconventional toggle switch 32, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. The toggleswitch/round receptacle adapter plate 14 is further formed with one ormore circular, discontinuous slots 34 centrally surrounding the toggleswitch opening 28. Preferably a plurality of slots 34 are formed throughthe adapter plate 14, each circular slot having a diameter matching thediameter of an outlet 36 of a conventional round receptacle 38, as shownin FIGS. 8 and 9. The circular discontinuous slots 34 are designed topermit a central portion 40 of the plate 14 to be frangibly removed fromthe plate to form a circular opening 42, which receives the circularoutlet 36 of a round receptacle 38 when the adapter plate is to be usedwith a round receptacle. Providing a plurality of slots 34 allowsdifferent diameter openings 42 to be formed so that the plate can beadapted to round receptacle outlets 36 of different sizes, such as 19/16″ and 1⅜″ diameters.

The toggle switch/round receptacle adapter plate 14 is formed with twoprojections 16 b longitudinally disposed at opposite ends of the plate.These projections 16 b have diameters which are preferably sized topermit the projections to be inserted into opposite longitudinallydisposed holes 44 formed in both the toggle switch 32 and the roundreceptacle 38. Like the duplex adapter plate 12 described above,insertion of the projections 16 b into the holes 44 of the toggle switch32 or the round receptacle 38 aligns the adapter plate 14 with thefixture.

Turning to FIGS. 3 and 3 a, the present invention further involves auniversal gasket plate 46 made from a thin, resilient, water-resistantsealing material. The gasket 46 is formed with a number of perforations48 enabling the gasket to be used with either adapter plate 12 or 14 andmultiple types of electrical fixtures. In particular, the gasket 46includes two duplex perforations 48 a which are sized to receive the twooutlets 22 of a duplex receptacle 24, a centrally disposed rectangulartoggle switch perforation 48 b which is sized to receive the lever 30 ofa toggle switch 32 and one or more circular perforations 48 c which aresized to receive the circular outlet 36 of a round receptacle. Theperforations 48 enable a portion or portions 49 a, 49 b, 49 c of thegasket 46 to be removed, leaving a desired opening depending on thegasket's use, as shown in FIGS. 6-11.

The gasket 46 is further formed with three projection slits 50, whichare located and spaced to match the location and spacing of theprojections 16 a and 16 b provided on the duplex adapter plate 12 andthe toggle switch/round receptacle adapter plate 14. Instead of slits50, holes can be provided in the gasket so long as the holes have adiameter smaller than the diameter of the adapter plate projections 16so that the projections can be frictionally held within the holes. Aswill be discussed in further detail below, the projection slits 50 holdsand aligns the adapter plate 12 or 14 together with the gasket 46 duringinstallation. Thus, the adapter plate 12 can be attached to and held inplace by the gasket 46.

The gasket 46 is further formed with one or more oppositely arrangedreceptacle mounting screw slits or holes 52. The mounting screw holes 52are located and spaced to match the location and spacing of the mountingscrews 54 of the duplex receptacle 24, the switch 32 or the roundreceptacle 38. The mounting screw holes 52 are designed to grip themounting screw bodies and form a water-tight seal therebetween. Thesemounting screw holes 52 also help to align the gasket 46 to theelectrical fixture.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the present invention furtherinvolves a universal cover 56 which, with the aid of the appropriateadapter plate 12 or 14 and gasket 46, is designed to be mounted to anelectrical outlet box 58 regardless of the type of electrical fixturecontained therein. The cover 56 includes a rectangular base 60 having asingle hinge 67 disposed along one of the edges of the base and a“flip-lid” 62 pivotally attached to the hinge to provide selectiveaccess to the outlet box 58.

The lid 62 is preferably seated within a recessed portion 61 of the base60 defined by a raised ridge 69. The raised ridge 69 surrounds at leastthree sides of the recessed portion 61 including the edge of the base 60having the hinge 67. With additional reference to FIG. 14, the ridge 69is defined by a top wall 81, an outer side wall 71 extending downwardlyfrom the top wall and an inner side wall 73 extending downward from thetop wall and spaced from the outer wall. The outer side wall 71 forms anouter periphery of the base 60 and terminates at an end 83 defining anouter peripheral edge of the base. The inner side wall 73 defines theperiphery of the recessed portion 61 and includes an opening 64 formedtherein to provide access to the electrical fixture mounted within theoutlet box 58. The raised ridge 69 functions as a shield to direct rainspray away from the interior of the box 58. As will be discussed infurther detail below, the recessed portion 61 allows the cover 56 to beinstalled in either a vertical or a horizontal orientation.

The outer side wall 71 of the base ridge 69 preferably includes astraight portion 84 and an angled portion 85 connecting the straightportion to the top wall 81 of the ridge. The straight portion 84 isdisposed generally perpendicular to the top wall 81 and the angledportion 85 extends between the straight portion and the top wall at anangle of about forty-five degrees.

The inner side wall 73 of the base ridge 69 preferably includes astraight portion 86 and a flange portion 80. The straight portion 86extends generally perpendicularly downward from the top wall 81 and theflange portion 80 extends generally perpendicularly from the straightportion and is disposed generally parallel with the top wall. The flangeportion 80 includes the base opening 64 formed therein, and furtherincludes an upwardly protruding lip 82 surrounding the opening, thefunction of which will be discussed shortly.

In a known manner, the lid 62 is preferably spring biased to maintainthe lid in a normally closed position within the recessed portion 61 ofthe base 60 to cover the opening 64. The lid 62 includes a face plate 87a peripheral side wall 75 extending downwardly from the face plate in agenerally perpendicular direction. When the lid 62 is in its closedposition, the side wall 75 extends into the recessed portion 61 of thebase 60 in a direction generally parallel with the straight portion 86of the base ridge inner wall 73. Also, the lid 62 further preferablyincludes a gasket seal 63 retained within the peripheral side wall 75and facing the base 60 to provide a water-resistant seal against theface of the receptacle, as well as between the lid itself and the base60. The upwardly protruding lip 82 of the inner side wall flange portion80 engages the seal 63 in a piercing manner when the lid 62 is closed toenhance the water-resistant seal therebetween.

The upper face plate 87 of the lid 62 can be formed with an upwardlyprotruding handle portion 88 for facilitating gripping of the lid byhand. In this regard, the handle portion 88 can include indentedcircular recesses 89 on opposite sides thereof to further facilitategripping with the fingers of a hand.

Also, the lid 62 can be provided with a handle ledge 90 opposite thehinge 67 for an additional means for gripping and opening the lid. Theledge 90 is further preferably provided with a locking loop or aperture92, which together with a locking aperture 94 provided on the base 60allows for locking the lid 62 in a closed position by insertion of abolt or lock.

The outer peripheral edge 83 of the base 60 is sized and shaped togenerally match the perimeter of the opening of the electrical outletbox 58 and the opening 64 is centrally formed within the base and issized to receive the rectangular dual outlet 66 of a conventional GFCIreceptacle 68, as shown in FIG. 15, or a conventional non-GFCIdecorator-type receptacle (not shown). In general, this would be thelargest opening required for most types of conventional electricalfixtures. With these types of fixtures, no adapter plate is required, asthe outlet 66 of the receptacle 68 will fit snugly within the opening 64of the base plate.

The central opening 64 of the base 60 and the outer periphery 25 of theadapter plate 12, 14, are also sized in a cooperating manner which willallow the adapter plate to be retained or “sandwiched” by the base plateupon assembly. Specifically, the flange portion 80 of the base ridgeinner wall 73 includes an inner peripheral edge region 65 facing awayfrom the top wall 81. The peripheral edge region 65 surrounds the baseopening 64 and is sized so as to engage or abut an outer peripheralsurface 25 defining the outer periphery of the adapter plate 12, 14 whenthe adapter plate and the cover 56 are assembled together. In thismanner, the adapter plate 12, 14 butts against the back surface of thebase 60 and will therefore be retained or “sandwiched” against theelectrical fixture by the base plate. This can be simply accomplished byforming the central opening 64 with a length and width that arerespectively slightly smaller than the overall length and width of theadapter plate 12, 14.

However, in a preferred embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 25 ofthe adapter plate 12, 14 generally matches, or is slightly larger than,the central opening 64 of the base 60, but includes four outwardlyextending ears 26 positioned adjacent the corners of the adapter plate,as described above. The ears 26 extend outwardly beyond the innerperipheral edge region 65 of the central opening 64 of the base 60 andare therefore engaged by the cover 56 upon assembly.

As mentioned above, the central opening 64 of the base 60 is generallyrectangular. However, in a preferred embodiment, the opening 64 furtherincludes two circular indents 78 formed on opposite sides thereof. Theindents 78 are provided to accommodate the largest of the circularoutlets 36 of known conventional round receptacles 38.

The base 60 is further formed with two or more longitudinally oppositekeyholes 70 for engaging the mounting screws 54 of the receptacle 24, 38or switch 32. The keyholes 70 may be longitudinally oriented, as shownin FIG. 10, or laterally oriented, as shown in FIG. 11. In either case,the keyholes 70 enable the cover 56 to be mounted to the outlet box 58without having to first remove the mounting screws from the box.

Upon installation, an electrical fixture, such as a duplex receptacle 24as shown in FIG. 10, is electrically wired and mounted within anelectrical outlet box 58 with suitable mounting hardware 54 providedwith the electrical fixture. The mounting screws 54 are left untightenedor are partially backed-out for reasons that will be described below.The appropriate adapter plate 12 or 14 is then selected for the type offixture mounted in the box and the appropriate portions 49 a, 49 b or 49c of the gasket 46 are removed or pierced.

Once the appropriate adapter plate 12 or 14 is selected and the gasket46 has been adapted to the type of receptacle contained within theoutlet box, the one or more projections 16 extending from the back ofthe adapter plate are inserted into respective slits 50 cut into thegasket 46. The adapter plate 12 or 14, with gasket 46 thus attached, isthen aligned with respect to the respective receptacle 24, 38 or switch32 by inserting the same projection or projections into the alignmenthole or holes 27, 44 of the receptacle. During this step, the upper andlower mounting screws 54 can be pushed through the mounting screw holes52 of the gasket 46.

Alternatively, the installer can fully remove the mounting screws 54 andpush only their shaft portions through the holes/slits 52 to prevent anyunwanted tearing or stretching of the gasket 46 that might occur whenattempting to push the heads through these holes/slits 52. In eithercase, the cover 56 is then positioned over the outlet box 58 so that themounting screws 54 are inserted in the widened portion of the keyholes70. The cover 56 is then laterally or longitudinally moved, depending onthe orientation of the keyholes so that the heads of the mounting screws54 are retained by the narrower portion of the keyholes 70. The mountingscrews 54 are then tightened to mount the cover 56 to the outlet box 58.

Thus, the external cover 56 with flip-lid 62 will sandwich the adapterplate 12, 14 between it and the gasket 46. The outwardly extending ears26 provided on the adapter plate 12, 14 further assist in sandwichingthe plate. Because the adapter plate 12, 14 is not attached or coupledto the external cover 56, the removal of the cover will not remove theadapter plate. Thus, the adapter plate acts more like an “overlay,” asopposed to prior art inserts.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the cover 56 can be mounted in either avertical or horizontal orientation, wherein the cover provides a waterresistant seal in either orientation. This is made possible by therecessed portion 61 and the raised ridge 69 provided on the base 60.Specifically, with the peripheral side wall 75 of the lid 62 seatedwithin the recessed portion 61 of the base 60, the raised ridge 69surrounds the edge of the cover on at least three sides. Thus, whetherthe cover 56 is mounted horizontally or vertically, the ridge 69 servesas an umbrella to shed water away from the lid edge.

Again, an important feature of the present invention is the fact thatthe adapter plate 12, 14 is held in place by the gasket 46 and staysaligned via the projection(s) 16 through the gasket and via thereceptacle or switch itself. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, theadapter plate 12, 14 abuts the back of the inner wall flange portion 80of the cover base 60. As such, it does not fit or extend into theopening 64 in the base 60. In this manner, removal of the external cover56 would leave the adapter plate 12, 14 behind.

As a result of the present invention, an electrical device cover isprovided that can accommodate multiple types of electrical devices, suchas a duplex receptacles, GFCI receptacles, switches and roundreceptacles of varying sizes. Moreover, the cover can be installed ineither a vertical or a horizontal orientation, wherein water resistanceis maintained in either orientation. The adapter plate locates in theholes of the electrical fixture and is held in place by holes in thegasket. Thus, the adapter plate is not held, positioned, or mechanicallyretained by the opening in the cover, nor does the adapter plate extendthrough the opening of the cover.

Although the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited to those preciseembodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may beeffected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention.

For example, it is envisioned that the present invention can be adaptedto multiple receptacle boxes, such as the 2-gang box 72, shown in FIG.16. In this embodiment, a modified gasket 74 and a modified cover 76 areprovided to accommodate multiple fixtures. Multiple adapter plates 12can be utilized or the adapter plate too can be modified to accommodatemultiple fixtures.

1. A water-resistant cover for an electrical outlet box comprising: abase having a ridge surrounding a substantial periphery of said base,said ridge having a top wall, an outer side wall extending downwardlyfrom said top wall and an inner side wall extending downwardly from saidtop wall, said inner side wall defining a recessed portion of said baseand an opening in said recessed portion; and a lid hingedly coupled tosaid base and received in said recessed portion in a closed position tocover said opening, wherein said ridge prevents water from entering saidopening whether the cover is oriented horizontally or vertically.
 2. Acover as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer side wall of said baseridge terminates at an end, said end defining an outer peripheral edgeof said base.
 3. A cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said outer sidewall of said base ridge includes a straight portion disposed generallyperpendicularly with said top wall and an angled portion connecting saidstraight portion with said top wall.
 4. A cover as defined in claim 1,wherein said inner side wall of said base ridge includes a straightportion extending generally perpendicularly from said top wall and aninwardly directed flange portion extending generally perpendicularlyfrom said straight portion and generally parallel with said top wall,said flange portion having said base opening formed therein.
 5. A coveras defined in claim 4, wherein said lid includes a gasket and saidflange portion of said base ridge inner side wall includes a protrudinglip, said lip engaging said gasket for forming a water-resistant sealtherebetween.
 6. A cover as defined in claim 4, wherein said flangeportion includes an inner peripheral edge region facing opposite saidtop wall, said inner peripheral edge region being adapted to abut anadapter plate for sandwiching the adapter plate against an electricalfixture when the cover is mounted to the electrical outlet box.
 7. Acover as defined in claim 1, wherein said lid comprises a face plate anda peripheral side wall extending downwardly from said face plate, saidlid peripheral side wall being disposed within and generally parallelwith said inner side wall of said base ridge when said lid is in saidclosed position.
 8. A cover as defined in claim 7, wherein said lid faceplate includes an upwardly protruding handle portion for facilitatinggripping of said lid.
 9. A cover as defined in claim 8, wherein saidhandle portion includes inwardly recessed finger grips on opposite sidesthereof.
 10. A cover as defined in claim 1, wherein said inner side walldefines a generally rectangular opening having a circular indent formedon opposite sides thereof.
 11. A universal water-resistant electricaloutlet box assembly comprising: an electrical outlet box having an openside; an electrical fixture contained within said electrical outlet box;and a cover mounted to said electrical outlet box, said cover includinga base and a lid hingedly coupled to said base, said base having a ridgesurrounding a substantial periphery of said base, said ridge having atop wall, an outer side wall extending downwardly from said top wall andan inner side wall extending downwardly from said top wall, said innerside wall defining a recessed portion of said base and an opening insaid recessed portion and said lid being received in said recessedportion in a closed position to cover said opening, wherein said ridgeprevents water from entering said opening whether the cover is orientedhorizontally or vertically.
 12. An electrical outlet box assembly asdefined in claim 11, wherein said electrical fixture includes anaperture and said outlet box assembly further comprises an adapter platehaving an opening, said opening receiving a portion of said electricalfixture therein, said adaptor plate further including a projectionextending from a back face thereof, said projection being received insaid aperture of said electrical fixture for aligning said adapter platethereto, wherein said cover sandwiches said adapter plate between itselfand said electrical fixture.
 13. An electrical outlet box assembly asdefined in claim 12, further comprising a universal gasket substantiallycovering said open side of said electrical outlet box, said projectionof said adapter plate piercing through said gasket to be frictionallyheld thereto for aligning said adapter plate and said gasket to saidelectrical fixture, and wherein said cover sandwiches said adapter plateand said gasket against said electrical fixture.
 14. An electricaloutlet box assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein said outer side wallof said base ridge terminates at an end, said end defining an outerperipheral edge of said base.
 15. An electrical outlet box assembly asdefined in claim 11, wherein said outer side wall of said base ridgeincludes a straight portion disposed generally perpendicularly with saidtop wall and an angled portion connecting said straight portion withsaid top wall.
 16. An electrical outlet box assembly as defined in claim11, wherein said inner side wall of said base ridge includes a straightportion extending generally perpendicularly from said top wall and aninwardly directed flange portion extending generally perpendicularlyfrom said straight portion and generally parallel with said top wall,said flange portion having said base opening formed therein.
 17. Anelectrical outlet box assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein said lidincludes a gasket and said flange portion of said base ridge inner sidewall includes a protruding lip, said lip engaging said gasket forforming a water-resistant seal therebetween.
 18. An electrical outletbox assembly as defined in claim 16, wherein said flange portionincludes an inner peripheral edge region facing opposite said top wall,said inner peripheral edge region being adapted to abut an adapter platefor sandwiching the adapter plate against an electrical fixture when thecover is mounted to the electrical outlet box.
 19. An electrical outletbox assembly as defined in claim 11, wherein said lid comprises a faceplate and a peripheral side wall extending downwardly from said faceplate, said lid peripheral side wall being disposed within and generallyparallel with said inner side wall of said base ridge when said lid isin said closed position.
 20. An electrical outlet box assembly asdefined in claim 19, wherein said lid face plate includes an upwardlyprotruding handle portion for facilitating gripping of said lid.